What types of residency documentation are commonly used by Balearic Islands residents instead of a Green Card?

Residents of the Balearic Islands, an autonomous community of Spain, do not use a Green Card as a form of residency documentation. Unlike the United States, where a Green Card serves as proof of permanent residency, Spain employs different types of residency documents to regulate the status of non-citizens. For those who are European Union (EU) citizens living in the Balearic Islands, registration certificates known as the “Certificado de Registro como Residente Comunitario” are the primary form of residency documentation. This certificate confirms their right to reside in Spain based on their EU citizenship and has no expiry for citizens exercising their treaty rights.

Non-EU nationals residing in the Balearic Islands must obtain a different kind of document called the “Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero” (TIE), which serves as an identification card and proof of legal residence. This card contains personal information, including fingerprints and the holder’s legal status in Spain, and is typically valid for one year or longer depending on the type of resident permit granted. The TIE proves that the individual has permission to reside and sometimes work in Spain, differentiating it from the Green Card, which confers permanent residency status in the U.S.

Additionally, Spanish residents might hold a “NIE” (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is a foreigner’s identification number used in all legal and tax matters but is not a residency permit in itself. This number is essential for day-to-day transactions but doesn’t equate to proof of the right to live in Spain. Together, these documents collectively regulate the various residency statuses within the Balearic Islands. They cater to a wide spectrum of residents, from EU nationals enjoying freedom of movement rights to third-country nationals who have obtained official authorization to live in Spain, all of which differ fundamentally from the U.S. Green Card system.